Introducing our 2024 Team LCRF runners who will be doing the TCS New York City Marathon on November 3! Read more below about this year’s amazing group of marathoners who are raising awareness and fundraising for lung cancer research.
“The Lung Cancer Research Foundation holds a special place due to the emotional impact of losing my mother in July 2022. Supporting this foundation becomes a meaningful way to channel grief into a positive force, contributing to vital research that may prevent others from enduring similar losses. It transforms personal pain into a collective effort for a cause that holds deep personal significance.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Half marathon completion!”
Favorite food while training: “Apples and peanut butter!”
On my playlist: “Big Booty mix on SoundCloud, listening to podcasts on runs to forget about time.”
“I am so happy to be a part of Team LCRF so that I can fundraise and run in honor of my dad, who I lost to small cell lung cancer in 2017. I truly believe in the power of science and research that can make a difference for others moving forward.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Running a ‘redemption’ half where I was able to finish faster and stronger than my first try!”
Best training partners: “I’m lucky to have two of my best friends as training partners. We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and help to hold each other accountable when it gets hard! I could never train or finish any race without them.”
“I’m running in honor of my grandfather, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022. He is and always has been my biggest supporter, although he still doesn’t quite understand why I enjoy running so much. LCRF does critical work in support of all those affected by lung cancer, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Team and run for a cause personal to me and my family.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Finishing the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon, my first.”
Favorite food while training: “Pizza and ice cold Diet Coke”
“I am so excited to run with Team LCRF in honor of my dad who is currently fighting lung cancer.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Finishing 4 marathons”
Favorite food while training: “Favorite food while training is pretzels, especially the night before a race!”
“I lost my mother in January to lung cancer so I am running in her memory. Between the personal link with family and what I see in my patients daily, I know the importance of research into more accessible treatments and hopefully a cure.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Chicago Marathon 2023”
On my playlist: “Remember Why You Started, Fearless Motivation”
“Lung cancer has had a direct impact on my family having lost my father, my father-in-law, my uncle and an aunt-in-law and uncle-in-law. I have experienced this disease as a caregiver and as someone who has lost many loved ones. I first started running in support of my father as he battled this disease in my first Free to Breathe walk over 9 years ago. I now run in memory of him and in support of this disease that I truly believe with this type of support can one day have a cure.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “My very first 5k over the Brooklyn Bridge with Free to Run Brooklyn in 2015 with my Dad cheering me on as he was mid treatment. And finishing my first half marathon 2024!”
On my playlist: “Whitney Houston’s greatest hits are always part of my running playlists!”
“NYC is Marathon #5 for me, and being a part of team LCRF is special for me as I raised money in honor of a close friend whose life was cut short by lung cancer, Kelley (Kuntz) MacDonald. I’m proud to represent such a great organization and do it while getting the opportunity to run, something Kelley and I both loved.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Running my first sub-4 marathon at the 2023 Chicago marathon”
On my playlist: “I either run to EDM mash-ups, true-crime podcasts, or Ed Sheeran :)”
“In running this marathon, I am hoping to do more than honor the memory and strength of the loved ones I’ve lost to lung cancer. I want to raise funds to support the vital research efforts of the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. With every stride and drop of sweat, I aim to contribute towards a future where no one loses a family member or a friend to lung cancer. “
Proudest running accomplishment: “In high school I ran a 4:34 mile!”
On my playlist: “I listen to live shows from EDM artist Fisher.”
“I’m joining Team LCRF for the 2024 NYC Marathon in honor of my grandmother, who battled lung cancer throughout my childhood.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Running the NYRR Fred Lebow Half-Marathon with my sister, Julia.”
Rest day routine: “On my rest day, I like to relax by cooking and watching TV shows.”
“I am running in honor of my mother Elaine, whose life was cut (way too) short at 47 by lung cancer, and to make my wife (Hayley) and kids (Emma and Alex) proud. While my family never had the opportunity to meet my mother, the older I get, the more I realize how similar I am to her. She was an avid runner and would be so proud of my accomplishments.
Training for a marathon while holding down a full time job and parenting two young kids is no easy feat; however, it pales in comparison to battling lung cancer. I am pushing my lungs to the max for those who can’t and with hope that in time, we will have a cure.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Crossing the finish line at the 2023 New York City Marathon! Now it’s time to take everything I have learned and apply it for round two.”
Favorite food while training: Lots of pizza the night before a race!
“I have lost two amazing people to lung cancer who lived active and healthy lives. My father passed away in 2002 and was my lifelong ski buddy! Isabella De La Houssaye was a friend that showed how to live an active life. I am running for them!”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Just finished a ten mile race in 6:50 splits.”
Favorite food while training: “Homemade Bolognese”
Juliana Runnels, New York, NY
“I’m dedicating this run to the critical research that LCRF supports. I’m excited to support the cause and see what we can accomplish on 11/3!”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Running a marathon alongside my dad about a decade ago!”
Favorite running hack: “Lots of fractions 🙂 One down, only 25 more of that…”
“I am running for my aunt, Reina Honts, and incredibly excited to run my first ever marathon!”
Best running tool: “I have been using the Nike Run club app and it is amazing!”
Rest day routine: “On my rest days I love to do yoga for a good stretch!”
“Running with Team LCRF is a great honor. My grandma, Margaret Ward, battled lung cancer for many years and I am honored to be able to run in memory of her. My fond memories of her wit and laughter will be a huge boost for me on the course.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Running the Brooklyn Half in 1hr 36min!”
Favorite food while training: “Favorite food while training has got to be al pastor tacos.”
“Being a part of Team LCRF is so important to me because my mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer in April of 2023. As a non-smoker, this diagnosis came as a total shock to our family and we searched for answers. My mom has continued to fight over the last year, so the least I can do is run 26.2 miles to help end lung cancer!”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Running the Boston Marathon three times!”
On my playlist: “My running playlist consists of Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Noah Kahan.”
“I usually run in trail ultra events but thought if I am going run a big city marathon I would want to take the opportunity to raise some money that can make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “My longest run to date: The West Highland Way in Scotland. 96 miles from Glasgow to Fort William.”
Favorite food while training: “Salt and vinegar crisps (chips) and bananas on long training runs.”
“I have been an oncology hematology nurse for 9 years and have worked closely with many patients who are battling lung cancer. I am running for my patients!!”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Surfer Santa 5k, where I placed 1st”
Best training partner: “Chelsea has been my training partner, motivating each other on long runs.”
On my playlist: “Creed, Nickelback, and of course Biggie.”
“I’m running to support the research surrounding Lung Cancer in honor of Reina Honts. I’m a squash coach for Reina’s daughter and have formed a strong connection with the Honts family and their story. I admire Reina for what she has overcome and I would like to do my part in helping support LCRF. Thank you for the opportunity!”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Completing the LA Marathon 2023”
Favorite food while training: “Pineapple :)”
“I am running in honor of my grandfather who I lost to lung cancer many years ago. Although I was young, I remember how much he and his loved ones suffered. By fundraising for Team LCRF, I hope to help improve lung cancer patients’ chances of survival and quality of life.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Ran a 15K Tough Mudder on Stratton Mountain!”
On my playlist: “Rüfüs Du Sol and Jungle”
“I am running in memory of my best friend Sikay who I lost to lung cancer in 2023.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “NYC Marathon 2015, 2021”
Favorite food while training: “Pasta is my favorite fuel for running.”
“Being a part of Team LCRF is important to me because I’ve seen the effect of lung cancer first hand. I want to put an end to it. The incredible stories of how the LCRF has impacted individuals lives throughout their cancer journey has inspired me to run and help them in their fight.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Running the Dopey 4-Day Challenge. It was a back-to-back running race that started with a 5km run Thursday, 10km run Friday, 1/2 marathon Saturday and finished with a Full Marathon on Sunday!”
Favorite food while training: “Favorite food while training has been the Honey Stinger fruit smoothie gels! They’re actually tasty and go down super smooth.”
“We are inspired by our generous, kind, forever supportive father, who is currently kicking lung cancer’s ass. As anyone lucky enough to know him can attest, his tremendous joy for life is infectious. LCRF has been instrumental in developing targeted therapy treatments that can be a game changer for families like ours. Your support means the world to us!”
“I want to raise as much money as possible to help the affected and their loved ones. LCRF is an organization near and dear to my family’s heart and I am honored to have the opportunity to run for them.”
Proudest running accomplishment: “Sub-12-hour Teton Picnic”
On my playlist: “Spotify’s T. Rex Radio!”